Like it or not, the use of technology is rooted in our personal lives. From the moment we wake up until the moment we go to bed, we have hundreds of interactions with various devices, software programs, and tools. But how is technology impacting our health? That’s a question we can’t afford to leave unanswered.

Recognizing the Positives

We hear a lot about how technology is bad for us – and we’ll discuss some of that in the following section – but it would be foolish to only highlight the negatives when there are actually plenty of positives. Here are three specific benefits to be aware of:

Devices That Monitor Health - The growth of wearable technology has been particularly positive in the world of health and medicine – both for patients and healthcare providers. This has been especially noticeable in the increased quality of care most providers are able to offer their patients. As tech blogger Jennifer Gregory points out, “It is often difficult to make a correct diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment when given limited information. Wearables can provide data that narrows down the provider’s options. The result is better, more targeted care for the patient.”

Remote Access to Healthcare - Research shows that more than 70 percent of healthcare providers are now using telehealth or telemedicine solutions to connect with patients remotely and provide valuable care. As telemedicine grows, many aspects of healthcare will presumably become more convenient and cost-effective.

Apps That Promote Productivity - The role of technology and personal health extends far beyond healthcare facilities, though. Millions of people experience the positive effects of productivity- and brain-boosting apps on a daily basis. Apps like Lumosity help train the brain and improve memory, attention, and focus. Then there are apps like IFTTT, which help streamline tasks and make everyday processes easier.

Exploring the Negatives

There are certainly some cons, too. Let’s check out three negative effects that can’t be ignored.

Hearing Loss - Take a look around the next time you’re on the subway, grabbing a cup of coffee at the local Starbucks, or jogging on a treadmill at the gym. Many of the people around you will have headphones in. While convenient, headphones can also be dangerous. According to this infographic from Rush.edu, headphones at high volume can reach 105 decibels (louder than a power tool). Listening to music with headphones for more than five minutes per day at high volume puts people at an increased risk for permanent hearing loss.

Poor Posture - Not only do computers and devices encourage more sedentary behavior among users, but they also frequently lead to poor posture, neck strain, and back issues. Repeated over long periods of time, this sort of behavior can lead to chronic pain and discomfort that isn’t easily reversed.

Eyestrain - Many people find that overexposure to devices leads to symptoms of “Computer Vision Syndrome” – which is defined as “the complex of problems associated with excessive screen time, including eyestrain, blurred vision, and dry eyes.”

While short-term eyestrain can be prevented with smart practices (and even computer glasses), the long-term impact of overexposure to screens is yet to be fully understood (and won’t be for a handful of years).

Finding the Right Balance

There’s no turning back at this point. We’re in a society where technological innovation and progression is the norm; it would take a minor miracle to reverse course. The key moving forward is to find the correct balance so that our society enjoys more of the positive benefits and experiences fewer of the negative side effects.